A recent graduate from Harvard College with a degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy, I am looking to use my knowledge of and passion for energy and sustainability to write about innovators in those fields. Having spent the last four years covering Cambridge for The Harvard Crimson, I have a soft spot for Boston-area startups. I hail from suburban western Massachusetts but have a love for metropolitan life. I previously wrote for Money, The New London Day, and The Hartford Courant.

Germany Was The Clear Victor, If We're Judging By Energy Efficiency

When trying to predict a World Cup victory, should we compare the countries’ athletes and coaches or their energy efficiency? If you had chosen the latter, you would have accurately predicted Germany’s victory over the U.S. today.

In a study released earlier this month, cloud-based software company Opower compared the energy efficiencies of 2014 World Cup contenders to predict the winner of three top matches. For the United States, the analysts identify great opportunity for energy savings, such as by following the recent curbing coal proposal and by taking behavioral changes.

Through behavioral energy efficiency alone – which includes giving people feedback on their usage, targeted incentives, and easy-to-understand savings advice — the US could save over 18 million megawatt-hours (MWh) per year.

But Germany outshines the U.S. in energy efficiency now and with future goals. Germany is seen as a world leader in energy efficiency, ranked #2 by the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy. Opower also puts Germany on top in Europe for potential energy savings.

Germany triumphed over the U.S. in the World Cup match and in energy efficiency. (Photo credit: Associated Press)

With its predictions, Opower was 2 for 3. The analysts picked a tie for Brazil vs. Mexico, mirroring the game’s 0-0 score, but they were unsuccessful in predicting Colombia’s victory over Japan. At least Japan can bask in the glory of its energy victories. Even in the absence of nuclear power, the country is meeting energy goals through conservation.

This exercise wasn’t Opower’s first try at sports analysis based on energy efficiency. Back in January, Opower predicted the Seattle Seahawk’s victory over the Denver Broncos.

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